Top IT Support Providers for Banks and Credit Unions

For financial institutions, technology isn't just a tool for efficiency; it's the foundation of security, compliance, and customer trust. The stakes are incredibly high, with constant threats from sophisticated cybercriminals and strict regulatory oversight. Choosing the right partner for IT support for banks and credit unions is a critical business decision that directly impacts risk management, operational stability, and the bottom line. Generic, one-size-fits-all IT solutions simply cannot address the unique challenges of this sector.

Navigating the complex landscape of regulations from the FFIEC, GLBA, and BSA requires deep industry-specific expertise. A provider that doesn't understand these requirements can expose an institution to significant compliance penalties and security vulnerabilities. Finding a partner among the best IT support companies means selecting one that specializes in the financial services vertical. They must be equipped to manage core processor integrations, secure sensitive customer data, and ensure high availability for critical banking systems.

This guide evaluates the top IT support providers that have demonstrated a strong focus on the banking and credit union sector. We will review their core strengths, service offerings, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision that protects your institution and supports its growth.

Why Specialized IT Support is Non-Negotiable for Financial Institutions

The operational and risk environment for banks and credit unions is unlike any other industry. An IT partner must function as a strategic advisor, helping the institution manage technology in a way that satisfies regulators, protects assets, and serves customers effectively.

Regulatory Compliance

IT providers must have a working knowledge of FFIEC, GLBA, and BSA guidelines. Their role is to implement and document the technical controls necessary to pass rigorous audits and examinations, from network security configurations to data retention policies.

Advanced Cybersecurity

As primary targets for cyberattacks, financial institutions need more than standard antivirus and firewalls. A specialized provider delivers tailored threat intelligence, multi-layered security defenses, proactive monitoring, and a tested incident response plan to counter threats like ransomware and business email compromise.

High Availability and Disaster Recovery

Core banking systems, online banking portals, and ATM networks require near-constant uptime. As mandated by the FDIC, a robust and regularly tested Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and disaster recovery strategy are essential to ensure services remain available during and after a disruptive event.

Vendor and Core Processor Management

Banks and credit unions rely on a complex ecosystem of third-party vendors for core processing, loan origination, and digital banking services. An experienced IT partner helps manage these relationships, ensuring secure integration and holding vendors accountable for their security posture.

Data Protection and Privacy

Protecting nonpublic personal information (NPI) is a fundamental legal and ethical duty. This requires specific protocols for data encryption, access control, and secure data transmission to prevent breaches and maintain customer trust.

The Financial Sector by the Numbers

The data highlights the significant financial risks and stringent operational requirements that define the banking industry. These statistics underscore the need for a proactive and expert approach to technology management.

• The average cost of a data breach in the financial sector is approximately $6.08 million.
• FFIEC guidelines mandate that financial institutions conduct independent security testing at least annually.
• The FDIC requires all banks to maintain a board-approved and regularly tested Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
• On average, financial institutions allocate between 7-10% of their operating budget to technology.
• Leading managed IT providers for financial institutions typically guarantee 99.9% or higher network uptime in their service level agreements (SLAs).

How We Evaluated These IT Providers

Our goal is to provide a credible, useful list based on criteria that matter most to financial executives. We analyzed each provider through a lens of risk management, operational excellence, and industry-specific expertise.

• Financial Industry Experience: We prioritized providers with a documented history of serving banks and credit unions, evidenced by case studies and industry-specific service pages.
• Compliance and Security Focus: Our evaluation centered on their demonstrated expertise in FFIEC guidelines, cybersecurity frameworks (like NIST), and data protection protocols relevant to finance.
• Service Offerings: We looked for comprehensive managed services covering 24/7 help desk support, network monitoring, business continuity planning, and vendor management.
• Client Reputation: We assessed market standing by reviewing client testimonials, third-party reviews, and industry recognition.
• Transparent Pricing: Preference was given to providers that offer clear, predictable pricing models, such as flat-fee plans that help with budget forecasting.

10 Leading IT Support Providers for Banks and Credit Unions

The following providers have established themselves as reliable partners for financial institutions. They offer a blend of technical skill, regulatory knowledge, and strategic guidance to help banks and credit unions navigate the complexities of modern IT.

Cortavo

Role: All-in-One Managed IT and Security Provider

Snapshot: Cortavo offers a comprehensive, flat-fee managed IT solution that bundles hardware, software, connectivity, and 24/7 support into a single predictable monthly cost. Their model is designed to simplify technology management for institutions that want to outsource their entire IT function. The service includes robust cybersecurity measures, cloud services, and strategic IT planning. By handling everything from device procurement to network security and help desk support, Cortavo allows bank and credit union leadership to focus on core business objectives rather than day-to-day IT challenges, ensuring a stable and secure technology environment.

Core Strength: A predictable, all-inclusive flat-fee model that simplifies budgeting and eliminates surprise IT costs.

Best For: Institutions seeking a single, accountable partner for all their technology and compliance needs.

Pro Tip: Leverage their vCIO services for strategic planning that aligns technology with long-term business goals.

SafeSystems

Role: Managed Security & Compliance Services Provider

Snapshot: SafeSystems is a well-known provider that focuses exclusively on community banks and credit unions. Their services are built from the ground up to address the specific compliance and security challenges of the financial industry. They offer a suite of solutions including network management, security services, and compliance consulting designed to help institutions meet FFIIEC guidelines and pass regulatory exams. Their deep industry focus means their engineers and support staff are well-versed in the terminology, software, and regulatory pressures that define community banking, providing highly relevant and effective support.

Core Strength: Deep, specialized expertise in IT compliance and security exclusively for community financial institutions.

Best For: Community banks and credit unions that need a partner fluent in financial regulations.

Pro Tip: Use their compliance services to prepare documentation and evidence ahead of regulatory audits.

HTG 360

Role: Cybersecurity and IT Compliance Specialist

Snapshot: HTG 360 provides a security-first approach to managed IT services for the financial sector. They emphasize a layered security strategy that includes everything from endpoint protection and managed firewalls to advanced threat detection and incident response. Their team helps institutions develop and maintain a strong security posture that aligns with FFIEC requirements and industry best practices. HTG 360 is particularly adept at conducting security risk assessments and penetration testing, providing actionable insights to help banks and credit unions identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Core Strength: A security-centric service model focused on proactive threat hunting and regulatory compliance.

Best For: Institutions prioritizing advanced cybersecurity measures and vulnerability management.

Pro Tip: Schedule regular penetration tests to validate security controls and satisfy auditor requirements.

Abrigo

Role: Risk and Compliance Management Software & Services

Snapshot: While primarily known for its risk management software, Abrigo (which acquired Continuity) offers significant IT-related compliance services. They help financial institutions manage the intersection of technology, risk, and regulatory requirements. Their platform and advisory services assist with business continuity planning, vendor due diligence, and IT risk assessments. Abrigo's strength lies in its ability to integrate compliance management into a unified framework, providing leadership with clear visibility into the institution's overall risk posture. They are less of a traditional MSP and more of a strategic compliance partner.

Core Strength: Integrated software and advisory services for comprehensive risk and compliance management.

Best For: Banks needing to streamline and automate their overall compliance and risk management programs.

Pro Tip: Use their platform to automate vendor due diligence and ongoing monitoring tasks.

Jack Henry & Associates

Role: Core Banking Provider with Managed IT Services

Snapshot: As one of the leading core banking platform providers, Jack Henry offers a range of complementary IT services through its Gladiator Technology division. These services are designed to integrate seamlessly with their core systems, providing a cohesive technology environment. They offer managed network services, cloud hosting, and robust cybersecurity solutions tailored for their client base. The primary advantage is their intimate knowledge of the core banking environment, which allows for highly effective support and troubleshooting of the institution's most critical application.

Core Strength: Unmatched expertise in supporting and securing their own core banking and digital platforms.

Best For: Financial institutions that already use Jack Henry's core processing solutions.

Pro Tip: Bundle their managed security services with your core contract for a more integrated solution.

Finastra

Role: Financial Software Provider with Cloud & Managed Services

Snapshot: Similar to Jack Henry, Finastra is a major player in financial software that also provides managed services, particularly through its FusionFabric.cloud platform. They offer secure, compliant cloud hosting for their applications, reducing the infrastructure burden on banks and credit unions. Their managed services focus on ensuring the performance, security, and availability of the Finastra ecosystem. For institutions heavily invested in Finastra's software for lending, payments, or core banking, using their managed services can simplify vendor management and ensure optimized performance of these critical tools.

Core Strength: Providing secure and compliant cloud hosting and management for its extensive software suite.

Best For: Banks and credit unions utilizing Finastra's ecosystem for key banking functions.

Pro Tip: Explore their cloud offerings to reduce on-premise hardware maintenance and improve scalability.

Ascendant Technologies

Role: Managed IT Services for Regulated Industries

Snapshot: Ascendant Technologies is a managed service provider that specializes in supporting businesses in highly regulated industries, including finance. They provide a full spectrum of IT services, from 24/7 help desk and infrastructure management to strategic vCIO guidance. Their approach for financial clients is built around a framework of security and compliance, ensuring that all managed systems adhere to industry standards. They focus on creating stable, secure, and scalable IT environments that allow banks and credit unions to operate efficiently while meeting their regulatory obligations.

Core Strength: A proven framework for delivering compliant managed IT services to regulated businesses.

Best For: Small to mid-sized institutions needing a comprehensive, compliance-aware outsourced IT department.

Pro Tip: Engage their vCIO to develop a multi-year technology roadmap aligned with compliance needs.

Bankers' Bank

Role: Correspondent Bank with Technology Services

Snapshot: Many correspondent banks, often called "bankers' banks," offer technology and operational services to their downstream community bank clients. These services can include item processing, network management, and IT security consulting. The key benefit is that they are a bank serving other banks, so they inherently understand the business and regulatory context. Their offerings are typically designed to be practical and cost-effective for smaller institutions that need to leverage shared resources to compete with larger players. This model provides a high level of trust and industry alignment.

Core Strength: Deep institutional understanding of community banking operations and challenges.

Best For: Community banks looking for IT services from a trusted partner within the banking ecosystem.

Pro Tip: Check if your correspondent bank offers bundled IT security and compliance packages.

Verafin

Role: Financial Crime Management & Security Specialist

Snapshot: Now part of Nasdaq, Verafin is a leader in software for detecting financial crime, including fraud and money laundering. While not a traditional MSP, their platform is a critical component of a bank's IT security and compliance stack. They provide essential support for their platform, which helps institutions meet BSA/AML requirements. Engaging with Verafin means partnering with experts who understand the technical and analytical side of financial crime, providing a crucial layer of defense that standard IT providers may not cover in such depth.

Core Strength: Unparalleled expertise in leveraging technology to detect and prevent financial crime.

Best For: Institutions needing to strengthen their BSA/AML compliance and fraud detection capabilities.

Pro Tip: Integrate their platform's alerts into your broader incident response plan for faster action.

Compliance First

Role: IT Auditing and Compliance Consulting Firm

Snapshot: Compliance First represents the category of specialized firms that focus on IT auditing and advisory services rather than day-to-day managed support. They work alongside an institution's in-house IT team or MSP to provide independent verification of security controls and compliance posture. Services include performing FFIEC-compliant IT audits, vulnerability assessments, and social engineering tests. Partnering with a firm like this is essential for meeting regulatory requirements for independent testing and gaining an objective view of the institution's technology risks.

Core Strength: Providing independent, expert IT audits and risk assessments for regulatory compliance.

Best For: Banks and credit unions needing third-party validation of their IT controls for auditors.

Pro Tip: Use their audit findings to prioritize IT security investments for the upcoming year.

Our Process

We make it simple to get expert, flat-fee IT management for your institution.

• Submit your IT needs (quick online form)
• Get a consultation to match the right plan for your team size and goals
• Receive a flat-fee managed IT plan (cybersecurity, support, connectivity, cost management)
• Onboard quickly with certified experts, 24/7 help desk, and ongoing technology support

Why Choose Cortavo?

Our all-in-one solution is designed for financial institutions that value predictability, security, and peace of mind.

• Seamless IT management for onsite, hybrid, and remote workplaces
• Transparent, flat-fee plans with predictable costs
• Comprehensive services: cybersecurity, help desk, connectivity, hardware, and cost management
• Peace of mind: recognized as a top managed service provider by G2, Cloudtango, and Clutch

Secure Your Institution with a Strategic IT Partner

For banks and credit unions, IT management is fundamentally about risk management. Choosing a partner is not just a technical decision but a strategic one that impacts everything from regulatory standing to customer loyalty. The right provider does more than fix technical issues; they serve as a proactive guardian of your data, a guide through complex compliance landscapes, and an enabler of secure growth. By opting for a comprehensive, flat-fee model, you gain not only expert support but also the budget predictability needed for long-term planning. A dedicated partner provides the specialized expertise required to protect your institution from financial loss and reputational damage. If you're ready to secure your institution with reliable, compliant IT support for banks and credit unions, we can help. Let's talk!

Frequently Asked Questions